seems high from JUST closing cost perspective on buyer or seller side (escrow+attorney+survey+prorated tax+ doc)... but again it could be very low depending on how the closing cost is being constructed (may be point or cost from both side etc) ..if you can give a breakout /pic of the closing statement then i can help 

David, the San Mateo house was on Barneson Ave and you were not the buyer.

Thanks @Ben HowardHere are some quick insights (lists) about the Sacramento County MFR 2-4 market:16,044 properties designated MFR 2-45,056 owners live outside Sacto County4,476 owners live outside of California884 were sold/purchased in last 365 days (~5.5%)2018 YTD: 3432017: 9432016: 8632015: 8124,520 have 100%+ equity796 are underwater12 are in Preforclosure263 marked vacant by USPS143 were purchased at auction by a trustee sale buyer1,445 have had a death of joint tenant in last 365 daysSince 2016, 676 transactions were off-market - and scanning through those buyers a lot appear to be investors as they've done 2+ deals or their LLC name indicates investment orientation.

The appraisal came back subject to repairs and the VA contract states that no repairs will be made by the seller and the buyer will have to escrow repairs.

It is my understanding that with a dual agent (and i am the buyer) that the dual agent's duty/loyalty is to the seller, correct?  

I’d love to see those list of proporties to market to my buyers if your interested in a JV deal

When prospective tenants hear you say you’re putting in new flooring they can have a very different image than what you actually do.

So, I'm very interested in prospect of using a portion of my net worth to invest in real estate now before this opportunity is lost (i.e. from not being able to get a mortgage, or at least as good of one, post-quitting)*.So, I'm looking to try to acquire my first rental property during the week of 7/3-7/10 - which is when I'll be in the area I'm looking to invest in, and be living long-term starting in August (aside from traveling 90% of the year).I've watched a handful of YT videos and read some blogs on real estate investing in the last day, but I'm looking for any quick advice that might make a big difference.

No, due diligence costs are borne by the buyer.

One CAN figure out approximately how much a property sold for even if it's not listed in the records:  extrapolate the transfer taxes (state/county/city) and multiply out.Just an aside:  I remember back in the day when the appraisals were coming in short in an appreciating market (something like we have today) we would ask the buyer to pay MORE money for the transfer taxes (no law about not paying more taxes) and it would help show a higher "sales" price and help 'push' up the comps--not recommending you do that now--much more data available for all eyes.But I would recommend that you buddy up with a like-minded realtor, and work out a mutually beneficial arrangement so you can get the info you need, and they can get listings, sales, referrals, etc, that they need.Better yet, get licensed yourself and get to know the business from the inside out!